Author: By Nokwi Maroa

Migori Deputy Governor Gimunta Mahiri during the groundbreaking for a modern dormitory at Kebaroti Mixed Secondary School in Kuria East Sub-County, Migori County. [File, Standard] For a long time, Kuria was defined by farming and livestock keeping, with education playing a secondary role in household priorities. As recently as three decades ago, most families struggled to afford secondary school fees, and educating girls was often discouraged because the perceived benefits would be realised elsewhere through marriage. At that time, the entire region relied on barely six established secondary schools, and university entry from Kuria was rare enough to be counted…

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Former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga in past function. [Photo, Standard] There are people whose lives read like the story of a nation. Raila Amolo Odinga was one of them. I have been reflecting not just about the man who earned the name Baba, but about the country he helped shape, steady, and soften in ways we may only appreciate now. He was many things to many people. A liberator of democratic space. A storyteller who could hold a room with a proverb and a smile. A father whose laughter danced ahead of him. A leader whose humanity made…

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President William Ruto and Tanzania President Samia Suluhu during the 24th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State in Arusha. [File, Standard] There are moments in a nation’s life when it must choose between appearing strong and being wise. President Samia Suluhu’s recent decision to bar foreigners from operating small and medium-sized businesses in Tanzania is one such moment. As a people living along a border drawn by colonial hands, we have long understood that economic reality is often more powerful than political decree. The livelihoods of border communities are interwoven by shared language, customs, bloodlines, and daily trade. We…

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